The Meaning of Kendo

The sportive club „Ronin-Do” Oradea appeared in 2005 A.D. by the intent of a group of persons willing to practice kendo. Some left, other came, the club continued. The ones willing to practice kendo until the end continued. If you want to join us contact us.

We invite you to visit this page to make some ideea about us, about kendo and about practising it.

The Meaning of Kendo

The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (the japanese sword). The purpose of practicing Kendo is:

To mold the mind and body,

To cultivate a vigorous spirit,

And through correct and rigid training,

To strive for Improvement in the art of Kendo;

To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor;

To associate with others with sincerity,

And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.

Thus will one be able to love his country and society,

To contribute to the development of culture, and

To promote peace and prosperity among all people.

What means Kendo?

In Japanese Ken means sword and Do means path, way. It can easily deduce that Kendo means The Way of the Sword.

What is Kendo?

Kendo is Japanese fencing derived from the ancient art of samurai swordsmanship. Using a simulated sword made of bamboo slats, and wearing protectors, the kendoist competes against an opponent according to established scoring points and regulations.

Kendo is excellent training for mental and physical discipline.

What is Iaido?

Iaido is the practice of sword techniques using a series of cutting and thrusting movements in the drawing and resheathing of the blade. These movements are performed against an imaginary opponent, and requires great concentration.

The concept Kendo was established by All Japan Kendo Federation in 1975. The mission of the All-Japan Kendo Federation states that, "The concept of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the KATANA." From the beginning one must practice hard physically and develop mental control to master simple techniques. Kendo practice may be started at any age, young and old, and even with severe physical handicaps. The will to continue regular training is the essential element in learning Kendo. Kendo is practiced for character building through the manipulation of the sword calmly under great pressure. Physical prowess is less important than doing everything with full spirit even when there is no hope of winning. The essence of Kendo is attaining mental, spiritual, and physical calm with balance, thus the popular Kendo phrase, "ki-ken-tai no icchi". In effect, the spirit (ki), the sword (ken), and the body (tai) must move and act as one.

To execute a successful strike this is necessary:

Ki - You must see the target (locul de pe corpul adversarului pe care doreÂ?ti sAL îl atingi), feel the chance available to you, and work the resolve to make the cut. Often there's the "go for broke" spirit in a strike which manifests itself in the kiai or scream that arises from the gut of the kendoka.

Ken - The motion of the sword in it's rise and it's descent on the target must be precisely coordinated with the will and the body's movement forward upon the target.

Tai - The body must follow the will of the kendoka and the movement of the shinai as it lands on the targe (you can find more details about this at the „modern kendo” section). The legs must lunge forward to get within striking distance, and the back must be straight. All of this is accompanied by a confident resolve to achieve the objective.